We received to rejoice Christmas a number of occasions the previous two weeks and it’s been so particular!
We had our speedy household Christmas on the twenty second. This has turn into a practice we look ahead to yearly! We began the day with breakfast that all of us made collectively after which opening presents. (We cherished having the boyfriends and Isabel with us this yr as we’ve got the previous few years!) (I wrote extra concerning the day right here.)
Why do these two appear like they’ve instantly grown up by a number of years??
We additionally celebrated the reward of David! It’s been two years since he formally grew to become a Paine. I wrote extra about my ideas on his adoption and why I’ve so many large and conflicting emotions on this present day.
These three preserve our lives ever attention-grabbing and totally and hilarious!
After our household Christmas was over mid-day on the twenty second, we spent the remainder of the day packing and getting every part within the automotive to depart for Kansas. We left early night and drove to O’Fallon, IL and stayed there in a single day after which made it to Kansas (the place each side of our household dwell) on the twenty third.
Micah was SO excited to see Jesse’s mother and father’ canine, Copper!
We celebrated Christmas with my household on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
We additionally spent a while with Jesse’s household and performed Codenames for the primary time.
We had a number of mom/daughter espresso dates, together with one at The Assembly Home in Sedgwick, KS. I like this place!
It was so particular to have all of my sisters collectively this Christmas and we simply LOVED getting to hang around a lot!
I attempted a Lavender Blackberry Iced London Fog for the primary time and now have determined I need to discover ways to make one! It was scrumptious!
Talking of first occasions, David swang on a swing by himself with out us holding onto him for the primary time ever! And he did it for fairly an extended whereas and cherished it! We’re so happy with the progress he continues to make!
My siblings, my mother and father, and spouses/vital others. (Can you notice Jesse? He’s form of hiding behind me!)
We performed all kinds of inventive video games, laughed so laborious, received caught up on everybody’s lives, and cherished seeing all our youngsters play collectively!
We waited to rejoice Christmas with Jesse’s household till December thirtieth so that everybody might be collectively. It was the primary time in ears that every one the siblings have been collectively for Christmas they usually had the BEST time!!
David cherished getting to hang around with so many aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents and laughed a lot! I cherished attending to see everybody work together with him and luxuriate in him!
We additionally did household photos with Jesse’s household since everybody was collectively.
The youngsters weren’t tremendous enthusiastic about doing pics outdoors because it was chilly, however they survived and hopefully there might be some good pics from the bunch!
Behind the scenes: All of the cousins (up to now — there’s one on the way in which!) with Grandma and Grandpa
Jesse’s sister coordinated a prank on Jesse’s mother and father the place the youngsters all selected obscure objects that have been at his mother and father’ home and wrapped them up and offered it to them as in the event that they have been legit presents.
It was hilarious and it took a very long time for his mother and father to catch on that one thing wasn’t including up and the presents appeared very acquainted! 
We laughed SO laborious about it they usually cherished the prank!
A yearly favourite: the Saran Wrap Ball recreation, due to Jesse’s sister, Lisa!
One in all my favourite pics from our journey to Kansas for Christmas: Kathrynne recreated this image of herself from years in the past when she had requested for wooden for Christmas!